The Tigers abruptly fired former pitching coach Chris Bosio earlier this week for what the team called "insensitive comments" toward a clubhouse attendant, but more information continues to come out behind the firing.

Bosio explained his side of the story in an interview with USA Today on Thursday claiming he was fired for using the word "monkey" in a conversation overheard by an African-American clubhouse attendant. However, he denies using the word in "a racial and disparaging context" and insists it was not directed toward the clubhouse attendant, according to USA Today. He claims he was referring to a "spider monkey" nickname they use for pitcher Daniel Stumpf, who is white.

"I think this has been a reality check for everybody that hey, we're not going to stand for this anymore," Gardenhire told reporters Friday, via ESPN. "We've got to get this out of lives and our systems and treat each other with respect.

"This has been going on and it's probably overdue and it needs to be pushed even harder. This is why the Tigers did what they've had to do, which is very important."

It's not clear exactly what happened as The Athletic released a report Friday that seems to contradict Bosio's side of the story.

The Athletic also cited sources who described Bosio as "ornery" and added he was "forceful about his own objectives and showed little receptivity to outside ideas. His brash demeanor and unwillingness to work collaboratively caused clashes with other personalities on staff."

Perhaps the slur in question, misinterpreted or not, was the final straw for Bosio.

Bosio was fired Wednesday for violating the team's zero-tolerance policy. Bosio was in the first year of a two-year contract, and he said the Tigers have not informed him whether they will pay the remainder of his contract.

Bosio told USA Today he plans to hire an attorney and determine whether a wrongful termination lawsuit will be filed.